› added 9 years ago

79

TIL because of its very low freezing point, whale oil saw widespread use in the aerospace industry.

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Z8gPQ TIL about the poem, 'To a Mouse'. Written by Robert Burns in 1785, it is dedicated as an apology to a "mousie" whose nest he had turned over whilst ploughing a field, conveying his guilt at its happening.
lobQ5 TIL: Ted Roosevelt Jr, fought and was wounded in World War 1, then after a career in politics, rejoined the same Army unit at the beginning of World War 2. As a 56 year old General, he landed with the first waves at Utah Beach, later earning him a Medal of Honor for his contributions
GYMgJ TIL the last letter of AT&T stands for telegraph. (American Telephone and Telegraph)
grZPL TIL it is unlikely that Jack the Ripper targeted prostitutes. There is no evidence to suggest most of his victims were sex workers. Some evidence indicates they were asleep when they were approached (no sounds or signs of a struggle, all found in a reclined position).
4aJw TIL that in England, less than 1% of the population owns 70% of the land. The dukes and earls (as well as the Queen herself) who own much of this land largely trace lineage to William the Conqueror, who invaded the country in 1066.